Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 31: The 6th Edition of the Patnitop Marathon was organized by IKA Sports & Events Pvt. Ltd, promoted by Ironman athlete and endurance sports entrepreneur Kapil Arora, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department and the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA), attracting over 800 runners from more than 30 cities and 15 states across India, besides international participants.
The event has emerged as Jammu & Kashmir’s largest multi-category hill race and was held in support of the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, promoting fitness, healthy living and a drug-free lifestyle.
Among the dignitaries present were Mohd. Alyas Khan, Deputy Commissioner Ramban; Virender Kumar Manyal, CEO PDA; Ranjeet Singh, SDM Chenani; Pankaj Sasan, Deputy Director Tourism Jammu; Sukhvir Singh, SDPO Chenani; and Mohd. Arif Lone, Assistant Director Tourism.
The marathon featured four categories-50 KM Ultra Marathon, 21.1 KM Half Marathon, 10 KM Race and 5 KM Race-along with five age-group divisions ranging from 18 years to above 65 years.
The highlight was the demanding 50 KM Ultra Marathon route through Patnitop, Kud, Nathatop and Sanasar Lake. In the premier event, Sonaram Hessa of the Indian Army emerged as the fastest male runner, creating a new course record with a timing of 3:57:27, while Sqn Ldr Neha Devi finished as the fastest female in 4:23:58.
In the Half Marathon, Indibor Hazari and Alisha Kour emerged as the fastest male and female runners with timings of 1:41:04 and 2:10:09 respectively. Rohit Manhas (38:12) and Kirti Devi (49:50) topped the 10 KM category, while Rahil Manhas (19:26) and Maya Miyake of Japan (25:42) were the fastest runners in the 5 KM race.
The event received support from 10 running clubs across India, including Jammu-based MOBE Club and C9 Club. Speaking on the occasion, tourism officials highlighted the role of such events in promoting wellness and adventure tourism. Kapil Arora thanked the Tourism Department, PDA, Ramban District Administration, sponsors, volunteers and participants for making the event a grand success.
Winners across all categories were felicitated during a grand prize distribution ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of one of India’s most scenic mountain races.
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